THE FOOTBALL Association plan to go further than the Independent Football Commission suggest in a bid to tackle racism in the game.

THE FOOTBALL Association plan to go further than the Independent Football Commission suggest in a bid to tackle racism in the game.

The Government-backed IFC yesterday set football a three-year target to tackle racism in the game by ensuring there are more black and Asian coaches, managers, referees, chairmen and administrators involved.

The IFC's second annual report, although not referring to football as institutionally racist, points to "real concerns" over the lack of ethnic minorities in authoritative positions.

The report suggests football "widens its net" to increase ethnic minority representation over the next three years and also stresses the importance of successful role models.

FA chief executive Mark Palios, (pictured above), accepted the findings of the report and not only stressed the body's commitment to anti-racism initiatives but also revealed they would look to increase the representation of women and disabled people in the game.

Palios told the FA's website, www.theFA.com: "In 2004, the FA will be taking action to improve representation and diversity within the FA.

"The FA Board decided last year to introduce co-options to FA committees to bring in new talent and to enable an input from areas of the game that are not represented through the traditional structures.

"By April, we want to begin recruitment to our committees. All appointments will be on the basis of ability - positive action aimed at ensuring the effective governance and integrity of the game.

"The FA plans to go further than the IFC report recommends. We also need to ensure that there is greater representation of women and people with disabilities.

"We will take ongoing action based on consensus. As the governing body, the FA has to lead football but do so in partnership with the other football authorities. They have already shown their strong support."

The FA already employ 10 per cent of their workforce from ethnic minorities, while there are a range of anti-racism schemes and initiatives being set up and run by the governing body.

The report notes that "good progress has been made by the governing bodies and the Football Association in particular in tackling racism".